Sliding signal



Nov. 20, 1928. 1,692,313

J. c. RORISON SLIDING S IGNAL Filed Dec. 4, 1923 27 K F f Z 4r TE Qwvcmfom Patented Nov. 20, 1928.

UNITED STATES JOHN CHADBOURN RORISON, OF NEW YORK,.N. Y.

SLIDING SIGNAL.

Application filed December 4, 1923.

This invention relates to improvements in means for indicating the location of datav on index cards and the like. The invention contemplates the use of a movable signal which is adapted to be moved to different positions along the length of a card having printedmatter or reference lines delineated thereon. An important feature of the inventionisthe provision of an improved type of sliding signal which is so designed that it can readily be moved along the length of the card but positively held against movement in any other direction. Thus the signal cannot slip off or be inadvertently removed from the card. I also provide a card of improved design which is formed in such a manner that it provides a guide which is adapted to be interlocked with the sliding signal.

The objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following de scription and the novel features will be pointed out with particularity in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is a face view of a plurality of cards having sliding signals mounted thereon;

Fig. 2 is a view of a blank adapted to be separated to form two cards;

Fig. 3 is a detail perspective of a card having a modified form of sliding signal;

Fig. 4 is a detail illustrating the signal shown in Fig. 3 before it is bent to its final shape;

Fig. 5 is a view of a card before it has been folded to form a guide-way;

Fig. 6 is a view of the same card after folding;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the card of Fig. 6 provided with a sliding signal of the sanietype shown in Figs. 1 and 3;

Fig. 8 is a view of a card arranged to have sliding signals on its front and back face;

Fig. 9 is a cross-section illustrating a signal slidable along a slotted card; and

Figs. 10 to 14 are cross-sectional. views of modified forms of cards and signals.

Referring in detail to the drawings 20 and 20" in Fig. 1 represent a plurality of cards arranged one behind the other and supported in any suitable manner so that their upper edges 22, 22 and 22" lie at different elevations asshown, the bottom edge of each card passing through a slit 8 and resting on the bearing portions 6 of the adjacent card.

As far as mechanical structure is concerned the several cards in the system may be dupli- Serial No. 678,405.

cates of one another or some of the cards may be formed with one type of guide-way and others with different alternative types such as referred to hereinafter. The cards shown in F ig. 1 are all of substantially the same form, each comprising a main body 24 and a top flap 26 which is formed by folding the card along the line 28 to form the guiding edge 22. The edge 30 at the lower end of the flap 26 is parallel with the edge 22 and these two edges form a parallel track or guide-way for the sliding signal to be presently de scribed.

It is frequently desirable to print data on the cards and particularly on the flaps thereof and in order to enable one to hold the cards in a typewriter in such a way that the data can readily be printed near what finally be comes the extreme top portion of the card, I contemplate forming the cards from blanks such as shown in Fig. 2. The size of the blank is such that each half is of proper di'- mensions to form two cards and this blank is" either ruled, perforated orprovided witha scored line 82 along which the same can be severed after the data has been typewritten on the card. The blank is also formed with scored or creased lines 28 and 28 which when the flaps are folded over form the upper guide edge 22 of the card as will be understood. It is apparent that by forming the cards from blanks such asshown in Fig. 2 that such blanks can be readily inserted in a typewriter and the teXt can be written firstbetween the lines 32 and 28, for example, then the card can be removed and inverted whereupon the data can be written between the lines 32 and 28. After this is done the blank of course would be severed along the line 32 thereby forming two separate cards each of which can be folded so as to form a guide flap 26 one card being folded along the line 28 and the other along the line 28.

The flaps of the cards as above stated are adapted to form guide-ways for sliding signals which signals are intended to be positioned at different locations along the length of the card. In Fig. 1 one signal 84 bearing the letter J is shown in a location opposite a dot or other character 36 while another signal 34 is shown at the right-hand end of the card at a location corresponding to the character 38. Each of the sliding signals has a mark or arrow 40 thereon pointing to. the left which indicates that the reading of the card is to be taken from the left-hand Iil edge of the signal. The signal 34 hearing the letter C and shown on the card 20 is marked with hair-line arrows and indicates that the readings are to be taken at the vertical center line of the signal. This particular signal is adapted to be made of transparent material so that readings on the flap can readily be taken. The signal 34 hearing the letter R and shown on the card 20 is provided with a pointer 35 adapted to indicate the location of a reading on the body portion of the card below the flap. This signal is also formed with a thumb piece 37 to facilitate moving the same along the flap.

The sliding signals may be made in various shapes and forms to suit particular requirements but in all cases it is preferable to so construct them that they can be readily moved along the length of the card but not moved in a direction at right angles to the length. In other words it is preferable to provide means whereby the signal can not be inadvertently disengaged from its guideway. In Figs. 1 and 3 the signal shown consists of a continuous fiat. strip having one portion 42 interposed between the flap 26 and the body portion 24 of the card, a front portion 44 overlying the front of the flap and the portion 46 lying behind the card. The portions 42 and 44 are formed by bending a flat. strip as shown in Fig. 4 at 48 and the portion 46 is formed by bending the strip as at 50. This form of si nal, it will be seen, is interlocked with the flap 26 in such a way that the signal can be moved lengthwise along the card but cannot be moved either up or down. The bends 48 and 50 are so located that the signal fits the card with just suficient clearance to permit it to be moved freely along and the space between the walls 42 and 46 is a little greater than that of the thickness of the card so that the signal will be held frictionally in any location to which it is moved. In practice I. have found that this friction is sufficient to prevent the signal from being inadvertently moved lengthwise on the guideway. The natural tendency of the flap 26 is to spring outwardly a short distance beyond the sur face of the body portion of the card and this helps to yieldingly hold the signal in place. The signal being interlocked with the card and flap prevents the flap from opening out to an objectionable distance.

The signal shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is provided with a projection 52 which is formed by stamping out a portion which leaves an opening 54. This projection is provided with a non-circular aperture 56 adapted to engage a noncircular hook or peg 58 so that the card can be readily supported in a horizontal position, it being apparent that the interlocking engagement of the signal and the card will prevent relative movement between the two, and because of the engagement 60 and 62. The card is first folded in one direction along the line 60 to form the flap 64 and then along the line 62 to form the iap 66. To facilitate engaging the sliding signals with the cards I bevel or cha nfer off certain corners of the flaps. For example as shown in Fig. 1 the flap 26 is cut off at the left corner to form an angularxor inclined guide surface 27 which will'assist in initially engaging the signal with the card. In Fig. 6 the flap 66 is similarly cut oil on an angle as at 68 and this permits the signal to be readily moved to engagement with the flap 66.

Fig. 7 shows a card such as shown in Fig. 6 and a signal of the same type illustrated. in connection with Fig. 1, the flaps 64 and 66 being interposed between the walls 44 and 42 of the signal and the portion 46 of the signal lying behind the back of the card. A card of this type is useful when it is desired to have one kind of data printed for example on the flap 64 and diilerent data on the flap 66. When conditions change for example, the basic price of a commodity varies, the flap 66 can be cut off and the data on the flap 64 then used. That is as suming that the differentmarks along one flap are based on one base price and the different marks along the other flap are based on a different base price.

In the figures of the drawing referred to in the foregoing, the guide-ways on the card are formed at the top edge thereof. It is unnecessary that the same be so formed and in some cases it is desirable to have sliding signals movable along different guide-ways on the same card. Such a card is shown in Fig. 8 wherein the signal 70 is slidable along a guide-way 72 formed by bending the card along the edges 74, 76 78 and 79. The signal 70 is movable along a guide-way 72" formed by a different series of bends similar to those indicated at 74, 76, 7S and 79. The signals 70 and 70' are each provided with an opening or window 71 through which thei'eading is adapted to be taken, suitable figures being marked along the length of the guide-way. This form of card is also adapted to contain a signal or signals on the back face thereof such as indicated at 70".

The guide flaps formed on the card may be of single or double thickness as above described and can be folded to interlock with the various types of signals. Or the signal can be made to slide along a longitudinal slot the card and a. portion 92 on the other side of the card arranged to interlock with an S- shaped signal 9 1. Fig. 11 shows a card folded in much the same manner as that shown in Fig. 10 and having a signal 40 substantially the same as that described in connection with Fig. 1 coacting therewith. The walls of this signal of 11 however, are spaced farther apart than those of Fig. 1 so as to accommodate the double thickness of card which results from. folding the latter in the manner illustrated. Fig. 12 shows a signal 83 in engagement with a card having a guide-way formed by bending over a flap 26 then again bending the card adjacent the inner edge of said flap to form an outer flap 26. Fig. 13 shows a card similar to that shown in Figs. 6 and 7 but having a signal 100 of slightly different formation mounted thereon the signal being provided with walls 102 and 104 between which the flap 66 is disposed said signal having a. wall 106 which lies between the flap 64 and the body of the card. It is noted that in this type of signal there is no movable part of the signal extending over the rear face of the card so that movement of this signal along the card cannot interfere or engage a signal on the card behind even though the signal on a card behind is in contact with the front card. I

Fig. 14 shows a further modification in which the signal 110 is shaped to interlock with the flaps 26 and 26 separately on a card which is folded in much the same manner as that shown in Fig. 12.

The several signals as above described are each capable of movement in either direction along a straight line but cannot be moved in a direction at right angles to its path of movement. The cards are usually supported in a horizontal position and the signals therefore adapted to' be moved to different locations in the same horizontal plane along the length of the card. The signals interlocking with the cards as described can thus be moved horizontally but not vertically. It is to be understood however that if requirements demand it, the cards can be turned on edge so that the signals move up and down in which case they will not be movable horizontally. From the foregoing it is clear that cards may be folded in various ways to provide a guideway for the signal and that such guide-way will insure that the vertical edges of the sig nal are substantially perpendicular to the horizontal edge of the card. In other words the signal being guided between parallel edges is prevented from skewing around when it is moved along its guide-way.

The guide flaps form reinforcement-s for the upper edge of the cards and are adapt-ed to have data on both sides thereof so that the same may be folded over to prolong the life or usefulness of'the card. The signals are in some instances made of transparent mate rial and in other instances of li ht metal such as aluminum and they are preferably colored or otherwise marked so as to indicate different classifications or headings.

For some classes or records it is desirable to provide a card with different sections adapted to be used'successively as guides at successive periods of time. For example, if the cards are used in a system for indicating the yield on bonds it is desirable to tear off or sever the uppermost section ofthe card at perhaps six months intervals. To provide for this requirement I propose to divide each card into a number of sections which will be defined by parallel lines either scored, calendered or otherwise impressed on the material of which the card is made so asto weaken the same and facilitate bending the card along such scored or weakened lines. For example in Fig. 2 I have indicated a number of broken lines 29 which will divide the card into a number of sections. Each of these sections is adapted to be brought into place successively as time elapses. For example the flap 26 of the card shown in Fig. 1 will serve as a guide for the signal for a six months period. At the end of this time the flap 26 will be cut elf and discarded and the next section will be bent over along one of the lines 29 so as to bring a difierent section of the card into position to be engaged by a sliding signal. This section will be in turn out off at the next six months interval and soon throughout any predetermined length of time provided for on the card.

Thecard and signal arrangement described herein is particularly adapted for use in visually indicating the selling price and corresponding interest yield on various securities, such as described in my copending application Ser. No. 680,120 filed December 12, 1923, although it is to be understood that I am not limited thereto as cards can have suitable data printed thereon to adapt them to the requirements in various lines of business.

Though I have described with great particularity of detail the particular embodiments of the invention shown it is not to be construed that I am limited thereto as v'arious modifications and substitution of equivalents may be made by skilled artisans without departing fromv the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. An indicating device of the character described comprising a card having an upper ill! marginal flap and a sliding signal. interlocked with said flap so as to hold said signal against movement transverse to its path of travel.

2. An indicating device comprising a card having a rebent guide-flap and a signal having portions overlapping the opposite edges of said flap so that it is movable only in the direction of the length of said guide flap.

3. An index card having a rebent guidefla-p, a signal engaging opposed edges of said guide-flap and adapted to be yieldingly held in various locations along the guide-flap.

l. An index card having a rebent guideflap, a signal engaging opposed longitudinal edges of the guide-flap and havlng portions which yieldingly engage opposite sides of the guide-flap.

5. An index card having a portion folded over on itself forming a guide-way and a signal slidable on said guide-way and shaped to engage opposite edges thereof.

6. An index card having a marginal flap forming a guide-way and a signal having portions engaging opposite sides of the flap, said signal being adapted to be moved longitudinally of the flap and being formed to engage opposed edges of the flap so as to hold it against transverse dislodgment.

7. An index card having a marginal flap bent downwardly to form parallel guiding edges and a signal comprising an inner portion engaging the outer face of the flap and a rear portion engaging the back of the card.

8. An index card having a marginal flap bent downwardly to form parallel guiding edges and having an upwardly extending re bent portion forming another guide.

9. An index card having a marginal flap and means slidable along the flap arranged to hold the flap folded against the face of the card.

10. An indicating device comprising a plurality of juxtaposed cards arranged so that the upper portion of each card is visible, each card having a rebent guide flap formed on said upper portion and signals engaging the opposite edges of said guide-flap.

11. An index card having a guide-way, a sliding signal engaging said guide-way and a perforated projection on said signal whereby the card may be suspended in a horizontal position.

12. An index card having a guide-way. a sliding signal engaging said guide-way and having a projection thereon formed with a non-circular aperture adapted to engage a non-circular support so as to hold the card in a horizontal position.

13. An index card having an integrally folded-over portion forming a guide-flap, a signal engaging opposite sides of said guideflap yet free to be moved longitudinally thereof.

14. An index card having a folded portion forming a guide-way and a signal comprising a single piece bent to interlock with said folded portion and adapted to be moved longitudinally thereof.

15. An index card having a marginal portion folded to form at least two parallel guiding edges, and a signal engaging said marginal portion comprising a single piece formed with at least three spaced walls two of which are united at the top and two of which are united at the bottom so as to form a continuous piece which will engage both the front and rear face of said folded portion and also the rear face of the card.

16. Anindex card having its top edge folded over to form a guide-way and a signal bent to a substantially flattened spiral contour in cross-section so as to interlock with and frictionally engage said guide-way.

17 An index card having at least one marginal flap forming a guide-way for a sliding signal and having one corner of the flap chamfered off to facilitate the initial engagement of the signal with said flap.

18. An index card having a series of sections adapted to be folded over at successive time intervals to form different guide-ways for a sliding signal.

19. An index card having a series of sections defined by parallel lines impressed in the card to facilitate folding so that as predetermined time intervals elapse the end section can be severed and the adjacent section can be folded over to form a new guide-way for a sliding signal.

20. An index card having a series of parallel lines formed by scoring or weakening the fibre structure of the material of the cardso as to facilitate easy bending, said lines defining sections of the card adapted to be used as a guide for a sliding signal at different time intervals.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name.

JOHN CHADBOURN R0111 SON. 

